US Vice President JD Vance has invoked the “return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem” as he voiced support for American troops deployed in the Gulf during the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Vance, a Catholic convert, also marked the approach of Easter, offering a message to US service members.
"They’re fighting at a time where we are about to enter as Christians the most important week of the Christian calendar, the Holy Week that celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem," he said.
"And so I want to say to all of my fellow American Christians, but particularly those serving in the Gulf, that I wish you all a very blessed Easter, a very blessed Holy Week, and we continue to stand behind you and continue to support you every step of the way."
Vance's remarks came during a White House cabinet meeting chaired by Donald Trump, the first since the conflict with Iran began nearly a month ago.
Trump again warned Iran of severe consequences and urged Tehran to reach a deal, while senior officials including Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and envoy Steve Witkoff also addressed the meeting.
Witkoff confirmed the US had sent a 15-point “action list” to Iran via Pakistan, signalling what he described as a potential opening for negotiations.
"We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction," he said.
"We have strong signs that this is a possibility."
Rubio praised Hegseth’s leadership during the conflict, while Hegseth criticised media coverage and reiterated the administration’s stance on negotiations.
"We pray for a deal, and we welcome a deal," Hegseth said. "But in the meantime... the Department of War will continue negotiating with bombs."
Vance added that Trump was ensuring Iran “didn't get a nuclear weapon", as the administration continues to pursue both military and diplomatic pressure on Tehran.
